Arts & Culture

Dig the lightsaber out of the closet and brush up on your Yoda-ese: Star Wars Day is this Sunday, May 4 -- as in "May the fourth be with you." Around the world, Rebel scum and Vader disciples alike will gather for Star Wars costume parties and movie-watching marathons. How anyone could sit through The Phantom Menace again though is a mystery. And in a pre-holiday announcement poor Mark Hamill has been awaiting since 1983, the cast of J.J. Abrams' upcoming Episode VII film has been revealed.

In May, travelers in search of Americana, booze and racing have two iconic options: the Kentucky Derby (May 3) and the Indianapolis 500 (May 25). If you're overwhelmed by trying to pick one to attend, we've matched these two classic American races head-to-head in a contest for your time and money. And they're off!

As you celebrate Hairstyle Appreciation Day today (you are observing it, right?) keep this fact in mind: at the end of every hair cut in salons, beauty parlors and barbershops around the world, potentially great works of art are swept away in the trash.

That's the way Leila Cahoon sees it anyway. A semi-retired cosmetologist in Independence, Missouri, Cahoon is also the owner and namesake of Leila's Hair Museum. Her collection of more than 2,000 objects woven from human hair is considered the largest collection of its kind in the world. (She also has some things made of horse hair, but that's a whole 'nother conversation.)

In its four seasons, IFC's Portlandiahas offered snapshots from dozens of enclaves in and around Portland, Oregon. PDX may be where "young people go to retire," but it's also a great escape to forget about growing up for just a weekend. From the uppity, yet historic, Pearl District to low-brow North Portland, you can enjoy moments from the show -- and see how the real Portland compares to Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein's version.

Associated PressWhat are the odds Prince Harry remembered to buy his brother and sister-in-law an anniversary present?
Prince William and Kate Middleton's third wedding anniversary is Tuesday, April 29. Don't worry if you forgot to send the royal couple a gift though; they're all set (but probably appreciate your thought). If their anniversary has you dreaming of castles and courts, and wishing we had stateside options to visit, good news: the United States is home to one genuine royal palace as well as some worthy imitators.

Getty ImagesThe double canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII on April 24 is bringing travelers to Rome and Vatican City.

On April 27, Pope Francis will host a spiritual doubleheader of sorts in Rome for two of Catholicism's most illustrious leaders: Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. The late popes –- the former who sought to modernize the church through Vatican II, and latter who is credited with helping to topple Communism in Eastern Europe –- will be canonized this Sunday. In effect, they will, as saints, join the church's eternal hall of fame. And it's estimated that two million travelers will be in Rome to witness their canonizations.

Today, William Shakespeare lovers celebrate the 450th anniversary of the immortal's Bard's birth. We thought we'd join in by showcasing some out-of-the-ordinary ways to experience the work of the man who wrote, "All the world's a stage."

Chris Brown and his neck tattoos have been traveling the United States by airplane since Thursday. But unlike most road warriors, he's not picking up frequent flyer miles. (And, no, it's not because he's on Delta.)

Today marks the 125th birthday of Paris'sEiffel Tower. Erected for the 1889 World's Fair, Gustave Eiffel's controversial 324-meter structure (the tallest manmade object in the world at the time) was only supposed to last for 20 years. Not only has it endured, but it's inspired dozens of copycats -- and I'm not just talking about the trinkets for sale in finer souvenir stores throughout Paris.

According to Wikipedia (yes, that's just weak research), there are 35 replicas worldwide. Nine photos of Eiffel Towers follow. Can you ID the real one? The answer is at the end of the article.

After nine seasons, the How I Met Your Mother finale airs on CBS Monday, March 31 at 8 p.m. EST. Because fans are soon going to need another way to fill their Monday nights, we set out to create a legendary HIMYM tour of New York City, the sixth character in Ted, Robin, Barney, Marshall and Lily's gang.

Could we find the real-life equivalents of our favorite places featured in the show? Challenge accepted!